News by Area

Thursday, 19 December 2013

National park seeks volunteer rangers

People with a keen interest in the countryside and a knowledge of the North York Moors are being sought for the national park authority's voluntary ranger service.

The national park needs twenty volunteers to carry out a range of duties to help people enjoy the area.

Voluntary rangers are instrumental in helping the authority to look after the network of more than 1,400 miles of footpaths and bridleways.

By walking the routes, they can report back on any access issues such as fallen trees or overgrown vegetation and check that signs, gates and bridges are in good working order.

EYES AND EARS
A spokesperson said: "They act as the eyes and ears of the national park providing help and advice to others out and about in the North York Moors and also get involved in guided walks and access improvements."

The authority has 166 voluntary rangers but is looking to increase the teams that cover the south and north of the national park – areas such as Rosedale, the Esk Valley and the coastal parishes between Loftus and Scarborough. Duties are carried out on weekends and bank holidays with some optional mid-week work at the organisation's mobile display units.

Husband and wife, Paul and Denise Grantham from Hull, have been patrolling the North York Moors for over 40 years.

Paul said: “Even after all this time, Denise and I still get excited about coming out to the national park. We love walking – we actually met through a walking club – and enjoy meeting people as well. Being voluntary rangers enables us to give a little back to the moors while sharing our passion for the place with others.”

Candidates need to be over 18 and physically fit. Successful applicants will receive training including first aid, and are expected to carry out 12 patrols, typically 10am to 4pm, between March and October. Once trained, voluntary rangers usually patrol on their own, but joint patrols with friends or family who are also voluntary rangers can be arranged within reason.